Friday, April 30, 2010

I hated every bit of competitive twirling. The costumes, the makeup, the 7 hour a day practices during the summer and 3 hours each day during the school year. I hated that I missed out on camping trips and sleep overs and birthday parties. I hated that I didn't get to be a "normal kid." I hated all of it...except for the competitors (all which I still dearly love) and where it lead me 12 years later.I grew up adoring the University of Texas. I watched every football game and basketball game I possibly could with my dad starting at the age of 6 and I knew that's where I wanted to go to school! When I made twirler at UT, I was beyond thrilled. I would get to watch my favorite team from the field. I wasn't into the glitz and glamour or the popularity of being the UT twirler. I saw the bigger picture and knew that twirling wasn't going to get me where I wanted to be in life. But as I stood on the field as Vince Young ran the ball in to score the winning touchdown at the National Champion game, it all became worth it. The torture, the sweat, the tears and the missed birthday parties; it all had purpose.

Some of my best friends are graduating from college or have in the past 5 years and I assume that's what it felt like to them when they finished school and received their offer letters and started their first "real" job. That "ohhhhh, it was all worth it" feeling. But maybe that's not what you felt. Maybe it was..."ohhhh, this is NOT where I wanted to be."

Maybe the end result will not be what you expect and maybe you're not loving what you're doing, but I challenge you to give it your all...no matter what, because the end of this path you're on...just might be worth it.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

"Put your hands on the wheelLet the golden age beginLet the window downFeel the moonlight on your skin"

I'm taking this journey alone and hope to "get into the deep beautiful melancholy of everything that's happened." This will be a life experience that I feel I will always remember.

"To have never taken a solitary road trip across country? I mean everybody's got to take a road trip...Just you and some music."

Like I've said before...I'm a very loving person. I've driven in the middle of the night on multiple occasions to see my boyfriends when they were away, but this time...I'm driving in the middle of the night...for 3.5 days...for myself!

My bags are packed, a plethora of music in hand...Grand Canyon here I come! :)

When I get an idea into my head...you're probably not going to change it...

One time I remember in particular was my 2nd year in college. Picked up my boyfriend at the time and his best friend and headed to...no where. In fact, I can't even remember where this was...but we went with no destination in mind and a need to get away from the normal path. Pictures of our "adventure:"

I took a look at my bucket list this afternoon and thought to myself...what can I possibly do that doesn't require a ton of cash and expensive airline costs? Grand Canyon.

So...I'm going. It's insane considering the total drive is 40 hours and I only have a weekend, but I'm doing it! I'm leaving Friday after work and taking the trip by myself to get some good ME time! I'll take lots of pictures and come back with most likely...an amazing story.

Monday, April 26, 2010

If you have not read "The 5 Love Languages," by Gary Chapman, you should definitely do it. Guys, that means you too! Whether you're not dating, been in a 2 week relationship, or married for 30 years...it speaks to everyone.

Don't want to read it but want to know what your "love language" is? Here you go: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/30-second-quizzes/love/

After all of that advertising...I don't believe I fit into any of these categories. Although if I HAD to choose one that fit me the most it would be Acts of Service. Words of Affirmation...not me. Guys can say all day that they will, "give me the world," but until they show me...I won't believe them. Quality Time...closer to my love language, but quality time just isn't enough. Receiving Gifts...the farthest away from my love language. Physical Touch...definitely a good starter, but not a good finisher.

Having gone through what I've gone through in the past few years...I must say that my absolute love language is "partnership."

--I'm a strong woman who needs a stronger man to put up with me. I'm a business woman, who loves intellectual conversations that challenger her, loves to volunteer and give to others, but does not like to cook or clean or put away laundry (although I will do all three). I'm a HANDFUL and not made to be anything close to a housewife. But that's always been me and I don't pretend to be anything else. So, I need someone who will accept me for who I really am and not someone that they think I will become.--

"Power and control are two of the most significant issues in any relationship." There is constantly a power or control struggle when there doesn't have to be. Find what strengths you have and what strengths your partner has and talk about them and make them work if you want your relationship to work for the long haul. Do you have some of the same strengths? Then play off each others strengths and work together, not apart.

--Let it be known that I am not a feminist, but beleive that women can be strong and there are men that love that and can put up with it.--

Then there is respect. Do you completely respect the person your with? Every aspect of them? If you don't...it will show and they will become embarrassed of that part of them that you don't respect...even if they are ok with it themselves. Be respectful.

Control, power, and respect. Three things that you should constantly be aware of and how they are affecting your relationship.

"Who are you to give relationship advice?" Maybe not, but I know what doesn't work.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Apparently, I'm getting older and no one told me. One month away from 24 and I have 18-20 year olds calling me "Mam" and am going to sleep at 10 every night. I'm in that awkward stage where I have friends who are younger than me and consider me "a legitimate grown-up" and friends who are older than me and consider me "a baby." Most of the girlfriends I grew up with are married and/or have children. (Ok, ok...I was one of them, but I maintain that marriage doesn't mean your life makes a 180...I'll save that post for another day.)

The important part is...I don't feel old and therefore I will not act like it! ;)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I might have paint in the crevices of my toes, between my fingers and underneath my nails (it's not like I haven't had major meetings with upper management today...whoopsie), but I'm fairly proud of myself. My living room is BLUE! I normally would have gone with something like tan. Something easy, something safe. But in light of this years concept...Go Big or Go Home. So...blue it is! Really excited to show you guys pictures once I have time between work and painting to head to the store to get batteries for my camera (granted I could have probably done that while I sit here and write this blog).

The bathroom is next. The wallpaper is down and the plaster shall commence tonight!

On my Sweet Leaf cap, which is quite appropriate: "NOTHING TO FEAR BUT FEAR ITSELF"

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I'm no longer a nomad! I have a place to call mine and I'm in love!Everything I own is in my townhome...but not put away.I have 3 home improvement projects going on at once.My neighbors are young, have dogs and no kids (except for this amazing little boy that I met in his best Spidey underoos! Oh, his name is Mace.).I'll post before and afters, but let's just say I've never painted a wall, removed wall paper or texturized a wall and I will be doing all of them! That mixed with my amazing ability to hurt myself at every occasion should give forth for some amazing stories to come...stand by.

About Me

I love the outdoors and being active. I love love and helping others. I'm an extremely happy person and smile as much as possible. I'm a nerd, but love playing sports. I'm strong willed when needed, but am mostly a pushover. I'm not creative, but innovative. I'm not a great cook, but love to eat. I can't wait to travel and see this amazing world that God made.